Can I Get A Yeast Infection From My Girlfriend?

Yeast infections are among the most frustrating infections around. A yeast infection is when the vagina has an extra large amount of candida (a fungus) and it results in a vagina that is swollen, red, and itchy at the least. Many men wonder if you can get a yeast infection by having sex with a partner who has a yeast infection. The simple answer to this question is yes, and it is not fun when it does happen for your sexual health. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to avoid spreading the yeast infection to one another. Here are some simple tips and ideas:

1. Understand right away that the only completely effective way to prevent the chances of getting a yeast infection from an infected person is to not have sex with them. This is obvious and the most common sense approach to dealing with a partner who has a yeast infection. Allow them to be treated and healed of the yeast infection before you have sex and you will have no chance of getting the infection.

2. Carefully pay attention to your partner’s physical make up. Knowing your partner well and knowing their vagina well is very important. This can help you to notice redness, swelling, unpleasant odors, and any other irregularities. If you notice anything that seems out of the ordinary, inform your partner and have them get it checked out before having sex. It is always a good idea to be on the safe side where infections are concerned.

3. Many men and women share underwear. Though the odds of getting an infection in this manner are low, the chance exists. If your partner is suffering with a yeast infection, make sure that you are careful to not wear each other’s underwear. This is actually a bad idea to start with from a hygiene point of view, but especially so if one of you have an infection of any kind. Get your own undies!

4. Some people are of the mind that wearing a condom will prevent the spread of a yeast infection. While certainly it is a better option than not wearing anything at all, it is not fool proof by any means. Condoms are only as good as the fit and condition of the condom, and not all of your privates are covered. A transfer of the yeast infection is still possible, but a condom should be the least you would do if you are going to attempt sexual relations anyway.

5. Make sure that you treat the yeast infection immediately and thoroughly. Over the counter anti fungal creams are effective in most cases, but occasionally you may need an oral medication to fight the infection. It is vital that you see your doctor for any infections that you are unable to fix with the anti fungal creams sold over the counter. Make sure you do not ignore and leave yeast infections untreated. That can lead to all sorts of problems, and your sex life will likely be shelved much longer than it would otherwise.